GB mayoral race taking shape

Press Times Staff
GREEN BAY – Though an official announcement isn’t expected until later this year, Brown County Director of Administration Chad Weininger of Green Bay has filed paperwork that will enable him to raise money to fund a campaign to challenge Green Bay Mayor Erik Genrich in the spring 2023 election.

“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and put in the hard work it will take to make our city safer and more prosperous,” Weininger said via a press release to announce his move towards running for the non-partisan office of mayor. “I’ll work for lower taxes, less crime and more good jobs to ensure my children and your children have the opportunity to make Green Bay their home now and in the future.”

Weininger formerly served in the Wisconsin State Legislature as a Republican representing the 4th Assembly District which includes parts of Allouez, Ashwaubenon, De Pere and west Green Bay.

He was first elected in 2010 and then reelected in 2012 before deciding not to run again in 2014.

Weininger was named Legislator of the Year following his first year as a lawmaker by the Greater Green Bay Chamber.

Weininger has also held the positions of Green Bay City Clerk and Chief of Staff to Mayor Paul Jadin, who also appointed Weininger to the Board of Appeals and the Green Bay Planning Commission.
Jadin has said publicly that he will be supporting Weininger.

Brown County Board Chairman Patrick Buckley, who lost to Genrich four years ago, has also said he plans to support Weininger.

Current Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich announced his intent to run for a second term in office earlier this month.

“It’s going to be a little bit different, in comparison with last time around,” Mayor Genrich said of the 2023 race. “The race for mayor when you’re an incumbent versus the race for mayor when you’re a challenger is just sort of apples and oranges. But this time around, it’s going to be about just continuing to focus on the job and allow the results to speak for themselves. I’m definitely looking forward to the next few months, but by and large, it’s not going to be too different from the prior few months. It’s about accomplishing what we set out to accomplish and doing the job well.”